Parkfields Primary School held an Afrikaans reading competition for its Grade 7 pupils last week.
The pupils had to read two books, Soen vir Whitney by Onne Vegter and Gerook by Eldridge Jason, write a review and complete a spelling test, according to Eric van der Byl, a Grade 7 teacher at the Hanover Park School.
Aaliyah Mbapila, Michonn Demas, and Ziah Oliver were crowned the winners and received backpacks, stationery and boardgames as prizes.
The annual competition fostered a love of reading and improved literacy, said Mr Van der Byl.
“The competition also helps them prepare for exams.”
Hanover Park’s children’s librarian, Siyanda Buyana, said the library’s child patrons tended to favour English books over Afrikaans ones so the competition had helped to improve their Afrikaans literacy. The library compiled the spelling test for the competition and suggested the book review.
“Most pupils in Hanover Park who come to the library cannot read according to the grade they are in. We would love it if parents can bring their children to the library and assist with their reading skills,” Mr Buyana said.
Twelve-year-old Aaliyah, of Skaapraal, said she had enjoyed the competition, while 13-year-old Michonn, of Mitchell’s Plain, said: “I like Afrikaans because I am used to speaking it at home.”
Ziah, 12, from Hanover Park, said Afrikaans was her favourite subject. “The competition is good for pupils. I learnt a lot.”